Kaposi sarcoma

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Kaposi sarcoma is a cancerous tumor of the connective tissue, and is often associated with HIV/AIDS.

Causes

Before the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Kaposi sarcoma was seen mainly in older Italian and Jewish men, and rarely, in older women. Among this group, the tumors developed slowly. In people with HIV/AIDS, the cancer can develop quickly. It may also involve the:

Gastrointestinal tract

Lungs

Skin

Other organs

In people with HIV/AIDS, Kaposi sarcoma is caused by an interaction between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a weakened immune system, and the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Kaposi sarcoma has been linked to the spread of HIV/AIDS and HHV-8 through sexual activity.

People who have kidney or other organ transplants are also at risk for Kaposi sarcoma.

African Kaposi sarcoma is fairly common in young adult males living near the equator. One form is also common in young African children.

Symptoms

The tumors (lesions) most often appear as bluish-red or purple bumps on the skin. They are reddish-purple because they are rich in blood vessels.

The lesions may first appear on any part of the body. They also can appear inside the body. Lesions inside the body may bleed. Lesions in the lungs can cause bloody sputum or shortness of breath.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, focusing on the lesions.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Treating Kaposi sarcoma does not improve the chances of survival from HIV/AIDS itself. The outlook depends on the person's immune status and how much of the HIV virus is in their blood (viral load). If the HIV is controlled with medicine the lesions will often shrink away on their own.

Possible Complications

Complications can include:

Cough (possibly bloody) and shortness of breath if the disease is in the lungs

Leg swelling that may be painful or cause infections if the disease is in the lymph nodes of the legs

The tumors can return even after treatment. Kaposi sarcoma can be deadly for a person with AIDS.

An aggressive form of African Kaposi sarcoma can spread quickly to the bones. Another form found in African children does not affect the skin. Instead, it spreads through the lymph nodes and vital organs, and can quickly become deadly.

Prevention

Safer sexual practices can prevent HIV infection. This prevents HIV/AIDS and its complications, including Kaposi sarcoma.

Kaposi sarcoma almost never occurs in people with HIV/AIDS whose disease is well-controlled.

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